Overview

The Regional Talent Director will serve as a key business partner and lead the talent management lifecycle in a designated operations division, focused on developing a management pipeline strategy. This includes developing an internal talent bench, as well as attracting external talent. The Regional Talent Director will be a strategic business partner to the VP and RVPs in a division, providing HR expertise to hire the best talent, support a diverse, inclusive work environment and deliver a robust talent pipeline to drive a high-growth, high-performing business model. This position will support the Southeast market consisting of restaurants within Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, & Northeast Florida. The Regional Talent Director lives within the market.

Responsibilities

The essential functions in this job description are not all-inclusive of this position’s duties and responsibilities. The percent of time spent on each of the responsibilities below will vary based on the talent strengths and opportunities within each respective division. Talent Acquisition Partner with Operation leaders to meet the company’s high-growth staffing goals and enable a high-performing, inclusive culture. Analyze, develop, and implement creative talent acquisition strategies. Lead and facilitate the management interview and selection process with applicants and RVPs/DOs to ensure proactive staffing levels are met through on-time talent acquisition leveraging a balance of internal and external candidates. Conduct initial virtual face-to-face interviews via video conferencing. Conduct weekly meetings with RVPs and Directors within the respective division to assess current management development and recruiting needs; partner with VP on overall strategy. Monitor, maintain and assess management rosters with Operations Leadership for succession planning to identify current & future talent acquisition opportunities. Accurately execute all hiring system responsibilities, resume screening, applicant tracking, background checks, candidate communications and new hire administration. Ensures process compliance to minimize company risk and liability. Manage company career sites and Internet job boards, engage in relevant social media / networking strategies to promote an employer-of-choice branding campaign, recruiting agency management, actively promote manager referral programs and utilize other effective recruiting strategies. Establish and advance positive First Watch image with students/faculty at targeted universities with a hospitality program within Division, attend career fairs, conduct live and virtual classroom presentations and live/video student interviews. Develop and implement diversity recruiting strategies to source diverse talent. Develop strong relationships with and deliver professional talent acquisition services to operations clients. Deliver a positive applicant/candidate experience to promote First Watch/You First brand image & reputation. Convey subject matter knowledge on TA related topics to market leaders (e.g. compensation/benefits, relocation etc.). Talent Identification and Retention Serve as a strategic partner to the VP, RVPs and DOs, focused on talent planning. Conduct monthly meetings with all Directors and RVPs within respective division to assess current talent. (development needs, flight risks, etc.); provide monthly summary recap to VP. Aid in identifying talent gaps and offering effective solutions that support business objectives (partnering with Training resources). Recommend training enhancements to continuously improve materials and delivery. Support the Talent Review process within respective division; ensure talent assessments within Division are completed in a thorough and timely manner and utilize information to drive targeted training/development and succession planning support. Ensure clear, thoughtful and current succession planning is in place to keep division pipeline strong. Analyze and understand the turnover trends within a division and partner with appropriate Operations leadership to identify the root cause and address retention issues. Assist with the selection and development of NRO trainers in respective division to ensure a talented, diverse pool of trainers is available to support varying NRO needs. Support and monitor the internal promotion process within a division. Maintain communication with new managers in training through training to ensure expectations are being met. Provide additional HR support as needed with key market activity.

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Education. Human Resources or a related field required. Minimum of 5 years of experience in a Recruiting or HRBP role. Multi-unit restaurant, retail or hospitality experience preferred. Deep knowledge of recruiting practices, principles and methods, including interviewing and assessment skills. Talent advisor behaviors/competencies, supported by a solid understanding of the business, external / internal labor market, competitive landscape, and data analytics. Business partner mindset with the experience, credibility and confidence necessary to work with and influence market leaders, HR colleagues, and employees at all levels to deliver results.

Who We Are

First Watch is the leading Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using the freshest ingredients available. Guided by its “Follow the Sun” culinary philosophy, First Watch's chef-driven menu rotates five times a year to feature the highest-quality flavors at their peak, offering elevated executions of classic favorites, fresh juices like the Kale Tonic, and fan favorites such as the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Quinoa Power Bowl and signature Million Dollar Bacon. For every kid’s meal served, First Watch proudly donates a portion to organizations and causes making a positive impact in our communities – raising more than $1.7 million to date. A recipient of hundreds of local “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” awards, First Watch was voted 2025’s #1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards and was also named 2024’s #1 Most Loved Workplace in America by Newsweek and the Best Practice Institute, after appearing on the list in 2022 and 2023, as well. With a commitment to quality, hospitality and community, First Watch is redefining Daytime Dining across more than 600 restaurants in 31 states.